Life in Sixth Form
A THREE-YEAR EXPERIENCE
Life in Sixth Form
The most important thing to understand about our Sixth Form is that uniquely it lasts for three years.
We start Sixth Form life in Year 11, which we call Lower Sixth. Our Lower Sixth students get access to the Sixth Form dress code and have their own common room. Leadership opportunities such as mentoring come a year early. Most importantly, Lower Sixth are part of mixed tutor groups with Middle Sixth (Year 12) and Upper Sixth (Year 13). They learn about their future and see two generations of students make choices about their future lives – so they are uniquely well-prepared when it is their turn.
Lower Sixths also choose how the courses they started in Upper Fifth (Year 10) conclude: with GCSE exams or our own Thomas’s Qualifications. Our Curriculum pages explain more.
Middle and Upper Sixth (Years 12-13)
Although we run a three-year programme, there is still a step up into Middle and Upper Sixth.
Students have access to a Sixth Form study centre, reserved just for these two year groups, Red House. With its cafe open all day and mix of break-out and quiet study spaces, Red House is hugely popular. This is when the mix of A Levels and other exciting curriculum options begins, and new students joining us at Sixth Form arrive. Students will study alongside peers who are as passionate about their chosen subjects as they are. Relationships with teachers deepen and become a shared experience marked by collaboration and respect. This is the time to get excited about the future, while enjoying being the leaders of the school.
All students take part in a bonding trip at the start of Middle Sixth, which also features university-related, work and cultural experiences. The focus is on opportunity and the future right from the start of the year.
